Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
  • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
  • B60P1/44—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading having a loading platform thereon raising the load to the level of the load-transporting element
  • B60P1/4457—Means for immobilising the load or preventing it from rolling off during lifting; Man-rails
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
  • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
  • A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
  • A61G3/061—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using ramps

Definitions

• the invention relates to a platform with ramp. More in particular, the invention relates to a platform with a ramp which can be blocked in a position pivoted upwards relative to the platform.
• a platform is known from practice. With the known platform, a ramp is pivotally connected to the platform, while next to or above the platform an operating device is arranged which is connected, via a pivotal arm, to an edge of the ramp remote from the platform. Through operation of the operating device, the ramp can be moved by the arm from a lowered position to a raised position. In the raised position, the ramp is retained by the operating device, thereby preventing the possibility of pivoting the ramp back from the blocking position. In this position, the ramp serves as a boundary of the platform, to prevent, for instance, a user from unintentionally riding off the platform.
• Such a platform offers the advantage that, in principle, during use, persons and goods are prevented from moving off the platform.
• a drawback of such a platform is that the ramp is operated and held in the blocking position only adjacent one end.
• the ramp is operated and held in the blocking position only adjacent one end.
• deformation of the ramp can arise.
• a further drawback of this known platform is that the or each operating device needs to be mounted at a distance from the ramp above the platform, which may adversely affect normal use of the platform. Furthermore, such an operating device is relatively vulnerable and est
• the invention contemplates a platform, in particular a lifting platform, of the type described in the preamble, in which the above-mentioned drawbacks are avoided, while maintaining the advantages thereof.
• a platform according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.
• the cooperating profiles can ensure that the ramp can be brought in a first position in which, for instance, trolleys and objects can be brought via the ramp onto the platform, while the ramp can moreover be brought into a second position in which it is pivoted upwards and is blocked by the third profile.
• the profiles can extend at least substantially completely under a plane defined by the upper surface of the platform, and so can the operating device.
• the operating device can, for instance, be incorporated under the platform.
• the or each point of engagement for the or each operating device can be provided at a distance from the two lateral ends of the ramp. This means that a considerably more favorable loading of the operating device can be obtained.
• a platform according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 2.
• the ramp is blocked in the second position by the third profile which is locked against a flange of the second profile or another part of the platform, such that, when a force is exerted on the first profile in the direction of the first position, the third profile is pressed down against the flange mentioned or the like, so that further pivoting of the first profile is simply prevented.
• This offers the advantage that at least substantially no forces are exerted on the operating device for blocking pivotal movement of the first profile from the second position.
• the platform is designed such that the third profile can be pivoted relative to the first profile, from the position abutting against the flange mentioned to a position in which it is brought at least outside the reach of the above flange, and is preferably located approximately parallel to the riding surface of the first profile such that upon further movement of the operating device, the first profile together with the third profile is pivoted to the first position.
• the third profile extends over at least substantially the full width of the ramp, a particularly good lock is obtained, while a good distribution of the forces is achieved.
• the first profile can then simply be designed to be torsion rigid, so that deformations thereof can readily be prevented still better.
• a platform according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 4.
• the third profile can be pulled when the first profile has been brought into the first position, such that with the aid of the operating device the first profile can be pivoted to the second position. Only when the second position of the first profile has at least substantially been reached can the first coupling means be pulled from the recess, such that the third profile can be pivoted to the blocking position.
• a particularly favorable coupling is obtained between the operating means and the ramp, especially when, as discussed hereinabove, the third profile extends over substantially the full width of the ramp.
• Control means can be provided for the operating device, with which the position of the ramp relative to the platform can be determined and with which movement of the platform can be prevented as long as the ramp has not been brought iftto the second position.
• a platform according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 10.
• extruded sections for the first, second and/or third profile offers the advantage that these can be manufactured relatively simply and economically, that they can be made of torsion rigid and bending stiff design, while moreover ramps can be manufactured having any desired length.
• the second profile can be an integral part of the platform.
• the invention further relates to a ramp for use with a platform, characterized by the features of claim 11.
• Figs. 1A-1C show in partly sectional side view along the line I-I in Figs. 4 and 3, respectively, a platform according to the invention in a first embodiment
• Fig. ID shows a first, second and third profile for a ramp according to the invention
• Fig. 2A— C show, in partly sectional side view along the line II-II in Figs. 4 and 3, respectively, a part of a platform according to Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 shows in perspective view a ramp for a platform according to the invention, in an upwardly pivoted second position;
• Fig. 4 shows in perspective view a ramp according to Fig. 3 in a downwardly pivoted first position;
• Fig. 5 shows in perspective view the ramp according to Fig. 4 viewed from the opposite side;
• Fig. ⁇ shows, schematically in side view, a part of a platform with a ramp according to the invention, in first and second position.
• identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals.
• Fig. 1A shows a part of a platform 1 of a lift (not further shown) of a type known per se, for instance a stairlift or like platform lift.
• a platform 1 according to the invention can also be used as a lifting platform for other devices.
• a longitudinal edge is shown on which a ramp 2 is mounted which will hereinafter be described further.
• the platform 1 comprises a standing surface 4 and, extending approximately parallel thereto, an undersurface 6 with intermediate space, designed, for instance, as a sandwich panel. Confined between the standing surface 4 and the undersurface 6 is an operating device 8 for operating the ramp 2, in a manner to be further discussed hereinafter.
• the standing surface 4 can be designed to be substantially completely flat.
• the ramp 2 comprises a first profile 10, a second profile 12 and a third profile 14, which profiles are preferably manufactured by extrusion from, for instance, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, also other materials or manufacturing techniques can be used.
• Fig. ID from top to bottom, in side view, the first profile 10, the second profile 12 and the third profile 14 are shown individually.
• the first profile 10 comprises a nose part 16 with an undersurface 18, an upper surface 20 defining the riding surface 22 and a number of cross partitions 24 connecting the undersurface 18 and the upper surface 20.
• the first profile 10 gradually widens in a substantially triangular manner from a point 26 in the direction of a bent end wall 28.
• the first coupling profile part 30 extends in the direction away from the point 26.
• the first coupling profile part 30 comprises a first channel-shaped part 32, which is open at the top and which comprises a circular segment-shaped wall part 34, which internally includes sm angle ⁇ preferably greater than 180°.
• the thus formed cavity 36 in the first channel-shaped part 32 forms a recess which can cooperate with a first coupling part 38 of the third profile, as will be further elucidated.
• a second wall part 40 From the side of the first channel shaped part 32 remote from the end wall 28 extends a second wall part 40, which is bent upwards at the free end over an angle of more than 180°, thereby forming a profile part 42 having a circular segment-shaped cross section and a second cavity 44 which is open in the direction of the first channel-shaped part 32.
• a rod- shaped part 46 of the third profile can be fittingly received in a manner to be described hereinafter.
• a lip 48 extends upwards from the second wall part 40, such that the lip 48 is situated at some distance from the free end 50 of the profile part 42.
• a second lip 52 extends, approximately at right angles to the second wall part 40, which second lip is provided at the free end with a second profile part 54 with a circular segment-shaped cross section which bounds a third cavity 56 open at the side remote from the end wall 28, which cavity includes an internal angle preferably greater than 180°, for instance 270°.
• the first coupling profile part 30 is dimensioned such that the center C of the second profile part 54 is also the center of the bending radius of the end wall 28, while the center of the first channel-shaped part 32 and the center of the second cavity 44 are located at the same distance from the center C of the third cavity 56, which distance is somewhat smaller than the bending radius of the end wall 28. The reason for this will be explained later.
• the second profile 12 comprises a lower flange 58 and an upper flange 60 extending approximately parallel thereto.
• the lower flange 58 and the upper flange 60 are interconnected by an end wall 62 extending substantially at right angles to the flanges.
• On a first side of the end wall 62 a number of ribs 64 are provided, extending parallel to the lower flange 58, such that, in each case, between two adjacently extending ribs 64, screws can be fitted for attachment of the operating device 8, as is apparent from, for instance, Figs. 1A - C and 2A - C.
• the lower flange 58 extends further than the upper flange 60 and is provided at the free end located on the side mentioned with a second end wall 66, extending in an inclining manner. From the lower flange 58 extends a support wall 68, likewise inclined, in the direction of the second end wall 66, which support wall 68 is provided at the free end with a second rod-shaped part 70 having a circular segment-shaped cross section which can be fittingly received in the third cavity 56 of the second profile part 54, such that the rod-shaped part 70 can rotate therewithin.
• This rotation can be limited, on the one hand, by the thickness of the support wall 68 and, on the other, by the angle included by the second profile part 54.
• the free end 72 of the second end wall 66 will abut against the transition from the end wall 28 to the first channel-shaped part 32 of the first profile 10, thereby preventing further pivoting of the first profile part 10.
• the second end wall 66 is approximately in alignment with the undersurface 18.
• a rib 74 extends in the direction of the rod-shaped part 70, which merges into a bent profile part 76 extending at a distance parallel to the outer surface of the second rod- shaped part 70 and which, in a coupled position of the first and second profile 10, 12, abuts against the outer side of the second profile part 54.
• the length of the bent profile part 76 is then chosen such that, with the first profile 10 in the first position as shown in Fig. 1A, the free end of the bent profile part 76 abuts against the second lip 52 of the first profile 10.
• the distance between the second rod-shaped part 70 and the free end 78 of the upper flange 60 is chosen such that the bent profile part 52 of the second wall part 40 can pass this at a small distance.
• the third profile 14 comprises a bent middle part 80 which, at a first end, is bent downwards and inwards for forming a tubular profile part 82 which forms the first coupling element 38 mentioned and is fittingly received in the first channel-shaped part 32, the first coupling element 38 and the first channel-shaped part 32 being dimensioned such that the first coupling element 38, via the open upper side, can be moved into the first cavity 36 or can be pulled out of it, possibly with slight elastic deformation.
• the middle part 80 is provided with a downwardly extending profile part 84 which comprises the rod-shaped part 46, while between the middle part 80 and the rod-shaped part 46 a somewhat bent groove 86 is provided, such that the rod-shaped part 46 can be fittingly slid into the second cavity 44 of the profile part 42 and can be rotated therein about the center of the rod-shaped part 46 over a relatively small angle which is limited on the one hand in that the profile part 84 comes to abut against the second wall part 40 and, on the other hand, in that the free end 50 of the profile part 42 comes to abut against the end wall of the groove 86.
• the rod- shaped part 46 therefore forms the pivoting pin for the third profile 14 relative to the first profile 10.
• the operating device 8 comprises a preferably linear motor 88, with which an operating rod 90 can be moved. With the aid of a frame 92, the linear motor is mounted against the end wall 62 of the second profile 12 by means of screws 94, such that the operating rod 90 extends parallel to the upper and lower flange 60, 58 of the second profile 12. As appears clearly from Figs. 3 - 5, the operating device 8 is mounted at a distance from the two ends of the second profile 12.
• an opening (not shown) is provided in the second profile, through which extends an arm 96, which is connected by a first side, via ar-coupling pin 98 to the free end of the operating rod 90 and, by the opposite end, via a second coupling pin 100 to the tubular profile part 82 of the third profile 14. To that end, the second coupling pin 100 is received within this tubular profile part 82.
• a slotted recess is provided (not shown) through which the arm 96 can move, so that it can be brought in the position shown in particular in Fig. 1A.
• a platform 1, at least a ramp 2 according to the invention can be assembled as follows.
• the first profile 10 is slid by the second profile part 54 thereof, over the second rod-shaped part 70 between the second rod-shaped part 70 and the bent profile part 76.
• the third profile 14 is slid into the first profile 10 by sliding the rod-shaped part 46 into the second cavity 44, while the first coupling element 38 is slid into the first channel-shaped part 32.
• the third profile 14 is then preferably dimensioned such that in this position the upper side of the middle part 80 substantially links up with the upper surface 20 of the first profile 10.
• the arm 96 can be inserted through the second profile 12 and the first profile 10, from the first side 63 of the end wall 62, after which the second coupling pin 100 can be inserted through the tubular profile part 82 and a fitting opening in the arm 96, for coupling same.
• a ramp according to Figs. 1 — 5 can be used as follows.
• the ramp 2 is brought in the first position, in which, via the riding surface 22, for instance a wheelchair can be brought onto the standing surface 4 of the platform 1 or can be ridden off it, thereby passing the third profile 14.
• the linear motor 88 is energized, so that the operating rod 90 is pulled away in a direction away from the second profile 12, thereby taking along the arm 96.
• the arm 90 is pulled in a direction F, its line of force K extending such that the first coupling means 38 is pulled against the wall 34 of the first channel-shaped part 32.
• the first profile 10 will be pivoted about the second rod-shaped part 70 serving as a pivoting pin, primarily to the intermediate position shown in Fig. IB.
• the undersurface 18 of the first profile 10 is approximately parallel to the second end wall 66 of the second profile 12, while the first channel-shaped part 32 is moved substantially against the free end 78 of the upper flange 60.
• the first coupling element 38 will be pulled from the first cavity 36, the first profile being arrested at least by the upper flange 60.
• the third profile 14 will be pivoted about the rod-shaped part 46 relative to the first profile 10.
• the third profile 14 is then pivoted to such an extent that the middle part 80 abuts against the end wall 62.
• This position is shown in Fig. 1C.
• pivotal movement of the first profile 10 is virtually impossible.
• the fact is that further upward pivoting is at least prevented by the upper flange 60, while pivotal movement of the first profile 10 from the second position shown in Fig. 1C, back in the direction of the first position as shown in Fig. 1A is prevented by the third profile 14.
• the first profile 10 were to be pivoted about the second rod-shaped part 2, the second cavity 44 would be moved upward in the direction of the upper flange 60.
• the third profile 14 would then be moved along upwards, which is prevented in that the tubular profile part 82 abuts against the end wall 62 and would be pressed against the upper flange 60. In this manner, movement of the third profile 14, and hence of the first profile 10, is uniformly prevented. As pivotal movement of the third profile 14 by the operating device is prevented, in this condition, the ramp 2 is effectively blocked against pivoting without the motor having to be loaded. For pivoting the ramp 2 from the second position, as is shown, for instance, in
• FIG. 1C, 2C and 3 to the first position, as shown, for instance, in Figs. 1A, 2A, 4 and 5, the linear motor 88 is once again energized such that the operating rod 90 is moved in the direction of the second profile 12.
• the first coupling part 38 is moved back into the first cavity 36 of the first channel- shaped part 32, such that this comes clear of the upper flange 60, whereafter, upon further movement of the operating rod 90, the first profile 10 will be pivoted about the second rod-shaped part 70, into the first position.
• the lip 48 for that matter, also assists in locking the rod-shaped part 46 in the profile part 42.
• An operating device 8 according to the invention is preferably provided with control means 102 with which the position of the ramp 2 can be determined.
• control means 102 can be controlled, such that movement of the platform when the ramp 2 has (not yet) been brought into the second position shown in Figs. IC, 2C and 3 can be prevented.
• the control means 102 comprise an optocoupler 104 or like sensor, arranged such that a plate part 106 can be moved therebetween.
• the plate part 106 extends vertically during use, next to the operating rod 90. By a first end, the plate part 106 extends through the above-mentioned opening in the end wall 62 of the second profile 12, and is provided with a somewhat wedge-shaped part 108 with a recess 110.
• a spring 112 the plate part 106 is biased such that the wedge-shaped part 108 is pushed against the first profile 10.
• the control means 102 function as follows.
• the control means 102 will recognize that the ramp 2 has been brought into the second position and release the platform 1 for movement. When the ramp 2 is pivoted back to the first position again, movement of the platform 1 will be blocked again.
• FIG. 6 an alternative embodiment of a platform according to the invention is shown, in which the first profile 10, the second profile 12 and the third profile 14 together with the platform form a four-bar mechanism.
• the first profile 10 is provided with two pivotal points 120, 122, in which the third profile 14 and the second profile 12, respectively, are pivotally bearing- mounted.
• the end of the second profile 12 located opposite the pivotal point 122 is pivotally bearing-mounted in a third pivotal point 124; the end of the third profile 14 opposite the pivotal point 120 is bearing-mounted in a fourth pivotal point 126.
• pivotal points are herein to be understood to comprise at least pivoting pins extending over a part or substantially the full length of the respective profiles 10 - 14.
• an elevation 128 is arranged on the third profile 14, which is engaged by the arm 96 of the operating device 8 (not further shown). Therefore, the arm 96 extends at a distance above the fourth pivotal point 126.
• Fig. 6 on the left-hand side, the first position of the ramp 2 is shown, with the first profile 10 and the second profile 12 extending approximately parallel to and in line with each other, thereby forming the riding surface 22.
• the pivotal point 122 is located at a distance from the free ends of the first profile, and the third pivotal point 124 is located at a distance from the edge of the platform 1, the ramp 2 will simply remain in this position.
• the third profile 14 is pivoted about the fourth pivotal point 126, whereby the first profile 10 is forced into a vertical position, as is shown in Fig. 6 on the right- hand sidoe- In this second position, the third profile is retained by the operating device 8.
• the first profile 10 will not pivot, as the - then lower - longitudinal edge 9 will be pushed against the third profile 14 and will prevent pivoting. Only when the operating device 8 is activated can the ramp 2 be brought back in the first position with the aid of the arm 96.
• the ramp 2 be arranged along a longitudinal edge of the platform 1, allowing, for instance, a wheelchair to be arranged on the platform 1 with the wheels parallel to the ramp 2, as is schematically shown by a part of a sectioned wheel 111 and associated hoop 113 of a wheelchair.
• the invention is not in any way limited to the exemplary embodiments represented in the description and the drawing. Many variations thereon are possible within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.
• the first, second and third profile can be formed in a different manner than by extrusion, while the profiles can have a different shape.
• the first profile may only comprise an upper surface and no undersurface and/or cross partitions, while, moreover, it can made of solid design.
• the second end wall 66 can be omitted from the second profile, while moreover, the standing surface 4 of the platform 1 may extend so far that the upper flange 60 can be omitted.
• the second profile may be partly or wholly integrated into the platform 1, while the first profile 1 and the third profile 3 may also be pivotally connected to each other through, for instance, an integrated hinge. Other types of operating devices can be used for initiating pivotal movement of the ramp 2, for instance at more than one position.
• the operating device may at least partly be included in or above the standing surface.
• other types of control device may be provided for detection of the position of the ramp, for instance angle measurement devices, force measurement devices and the like.
• the profiles and pivoting pins preferably extend over the full width of the ramp. It will be clear, however, that shorter profiles may also be used.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Ladders (AREA)
• Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
• Platform Screen Doors And Railroad Systems (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

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• 2000
  • 2000-07-27 NL NL1015830A patent/NL1015830C1/nl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2001
  • 2001-07-27 WO PCT/NL2001/000581 patent/WO2002009971A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2001-07-27 EP EP01967857A patent/EP1303426A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2001-07-27 JP JP2002516121A patent/JP2004504982A/ja active Pending
  • 2001-07-27 CA CA002417396A patent/CA2417396A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-07-27 US US10/343,248 patent/US20040107520A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-07-27 AU AU2001288143A patent/AU2001288143A1/en not_active Abandoned

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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